How to access "waste ink" tank/reservoir in Canon S820

[Guest]

Archived from groups: comp.periphs.printers (More info?)

I've done the research, but am unable to understand how to access this tank
so as to empty it out. I do understand that many people simply reset the
chip and keep on printing, however, I want to empty the tank. I've already
removed the foam pads that soak up ink inside the base of the printer, as
well as cleaning out the mechanism that moves so as to clean the heads, but
I just can't figure out how to get to the tank, into which a couple of clear
hoses enter. It does have a pad underneath it which is saturated with ink,
leading me to think that after it becomes filled, there's an overflow.

If there's no easy way to access the tank/reservoir (and I do not see any
way to do so... it seems that the bottom of the printer is connected in a
way that users cannot get to it), I'd like to use a syringe to empty the
tank.

Much thanks for any help in this regard!
Paul

Also on AOL as Kidpocono

 

[xanthmaster]

everything I read so far tells me that those foam pads (the little square one on the right, and the cube foam on the left) ARE the waste tanks. there is not tank as any normal person would consider it. I think it is Canon's way of getting people to send it in for repair and think its a big deal. My S820 unfortunately, even after cleaning, goes through the starting motions, but then shuts off. I even went through the "clear waste-tank counter" process but still no luck.

 

[ttocsmij]

My understanding is that a printer reset procedure must also be performed. It is a combination of button pressing in the right sequence.

Every time one turns the printer on and periodically while printing, the print head goes through a cleaning cycle. Every time a photo is printed using "borderless mode", a certain amount of ink is prayed off the side. In both of these cases, the ink has to go somewhere so printer manufacturers add foam or felt pads to their printers to absorb this ink. After a while the ink build up will interfere with the pad's ability to absorb additional ink and so it (they) need to be cleaned or replaced. NOTE: There is NO tank, just these pads.

In Canon's case, they spotted an opportunity to make a handy profit. The printer is programmed to count the number of times -- and this is just a guess based on my personal experience with the S820 -- the printer is turned on. When that count reaches a certain number, they set an error condition that prevents printing until one resets the electronics and (presumably) cleans or replaces the pad(s). The kicker is that they refuse to divulge the steps required to reset the electronics ... because they charge somewhere in the neighborhood of $150 - $200 to replace the pad(s) and reset the error! Not bad for 10 minutes work and $0.50 worth of foam or felt, eh!

On the bright side, a few adventurous souls tinker with these things and I did run across this reset procedure on another forum while searching this morning. I have not tested it yet (my S820 just started this nonsense this morning and my schedule for today is full already). If someone is successful with their S820 (or any of those listed) please come back to this forum and let us know how it worked and if anything different had to be done. The only way to fight back against this kind of nonsense is to figure things out for ourselves and share the solutions as widely as possible.

But I digress. Without further ado ...

RESET INSTRUCTIONS
----------------------------
The waste-ink counter for the BJ F900, F890, F700, F500, S900, S820, S750 and S520 are all reset in the same manner.

Turn off the printer.

Press and hold the RESUME button, then press and hold the POWER button.

Release the RESUME button, then press and release the RESUME button two more times in succession. (youre still holding the POWER button during this). The printer mechanics will move momentarily.

You are now in Service mode.

Pressing the RESUME key will select a function; for example, pressing RESUME 4 times will select the clear waste ink counter function. The lamp will alternate color with each key press.

1. service/factory test printout, including ink sensor check
2. EEPROM info printout
3. EEPROM initialization
4. Clear the waste-ink counter
5. Printer model setting. (more selections beyond this- leave this alone)

After selecting mode, press the POWER button to commit the change, and return to the top of the function selection menu. Pressing the POWER button again turns off the printer for a restart.

If you have a defective printer head, your power lamp may flash during the service mode key-in, and info printouts may not work. In this case, clearing the waste-ink counter may not fix your problem.

 

[xanthmaster]

thanks for the info. I tried that process, more than once and it never reset. I eventually trashed the printer and bought a new one...with the rebate it actually cost less than Canon wanted for the repair...and the printer is much better than the S820 was.

 

[ttocsmij]

I see what you mean, xanthmaster. I tried the procedure and several variations without success. Unfortunately, being unemployed at the moment prevents me from following in your footsteps. I guess I am stuck pressing the RESUME button for every sheet until I can save up enough for an H-P. Too bad. I am really going to miss the great photos this printer is capable of. Sigh. I guess not all the jerks were at GM.

 

[ttocsmij]

Read somewhere that these instructions are only for S750 / S520; that there are additional steps for the S900 / S820. Why, of course there. Silly us. I finally poked around in the bottom of my S820. There's a pad that looks like it covers the whole bottom of the printer. That sounds like a lot of work to get out. I'm beginning to appreciate the cost at the service center. Not that I can afford it ... but one can appreciate a Mercedes even if one cannot afford one, eh?